Now Commenting On:

Prado's versatility handy for D-backs

4/2/13: Martin Prado dives to stop a grounder off the bat of Jaime Garcia, then makes a strong throw to first for the out in the fifth

By Steve Gilbert
/
MLB.com |

NEW YORK -- One of the things that has impressed the D-backs about Martin Prado is how many different positions he can play.

Already this season, he's played third, second, short and left field, and that was in the span of two days.

With second baseman Aaron Hill out four to six weeks with a broken left hand, Arizona manager Kirk Gibson shifted Prado to second for Tuesday's game against the Yankees. On Wednesday, though, Gibson had second thoughts about it and left Prado at third and started Josh Wilson at second.

"I really don't like moving him all around all the time," Gibson said. "I think it's asking a lot of him. Certainly don't want Prado to play four positions in two days again if I can help it."

Prado made it clear to the D-backs that he would play wherever they needed him. During his time with the Braves, he also played all over the field, depending on what was needed.

"It's nothing new," he said prior to Wednesday's game. "I guess when baseball people know you can play a different position, they count on you and feel good about you changing positions. That makes me feel good. Now, I've got to prepare myself to play second base at the beginning of the game."